When are Nausea and Vomiting Signs of a Concussion?
Nausea and vomiting are worrying symptoms in your child. While they are nothing to worry about in most cases, they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious, like a concussion.
8 Symptoms of Epilepsy and How We Can Help You Manage Them
If you, your child, or someone you care about is living with epilepsy, you must be curious about the symptoms and how best to manage them. For starters, it's crucial to know the basics of this condition.
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that causes sudden, recurrent seizures. These seizures are triggered by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
This condition can affect people of any race, gender, and age, including children. However, symptoms typically vary in severity from person to person.
Managing your child's epilepsy symptoms can be challenging, but Dr. Henry Hasson is here to help. As a pediatric neurologist, Dr. Hasson has been expertly trained to recognize and treat a wide range of neurological conditions in children, including epilepsy, at his office in Brooklyn, New York.
Here he breaks down eight of the most common symptoms of epilepsy and how they manifest.
Common symptoms of epilepsy
Epilepsy results in a wide range of symptoms. Here’s a look at some of the most common.
Sudden, uncontrollable movements
The most recognizable symptoms of epilepsy are sudden and uncontrollable movements. During a seizure, your child may experience sudden, involuntary jerking or twitching of their arms and legs.
Staring spells
Some seizures may cause your child to stare blankly or become unresponsive for a short period. This is often referred to as an absence seizure. This can be very subtle and is sometimes associated with a behavioral arrest. Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between inattention of ADHD vs absence seizure.
Confusion
Epileptic seizures can lead to temporary confusion or memory lapses, making it difficult for your child to understand what's happening around them or remember events that occurred just before the seizure.
Loss of consciousness
During a seizure, your child could sometimes lose consciousness and fall.
Auras
Before a seizure, some people may experience an “aura,” which can be a warning sign of a forthcoming episode. Your child may describe an aura as feeling strange sensations, visual disturbances, or even experiencing odd smells.
Emotional changes
It's not uncommon for your child to experience sudden emotional changes during an episode. They might feel fearful or anxious, as may be expected.
Difficulty speaking
Understandably, it may be challenging for your child to speak during a seizure. However, they may continue to have trouble speaking or finding the right words right after the episode.
Loss of bladder control
Sometimes, your child may lose control of their bladder or bowels during an episode.
Treatment for epilepsy
The primary treatment for epilepsy is anti-seizure medications, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes in most cases. Dr. Hasson will meticulously consult with you and your child to find the right medication and dosage for them.
It also helps to develop a seizure response plan with the help of Dr. Hasson. This plan will include instructions on what to do in case of a seizure, emergency contact information for when your child isn't with you, and any necessary medications or medical devices.
Dr. Hasson also offers ambulatory Video-EEG to diagnose seizures and distinguish it from other movements. Through his office you can avoid a long wait and hospital stay by doing in-home EEG.
Having a child with epilepsy can be challenging, but understanding the symptoms and how to manage them can significantly improve their quality of life.
Remember, you don’t have to face this journey alone. Book an appointment with us online today, or call 718-785-9828. Dr. Hasson offers expert guidance, care, and resources to help you manage your child's epilepsy and help them live a fully functioning life.
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